Another Tariff Battle with Michigan’s Biggest Trading Partner Will Raise Costs on Michigan Families
August 24, 2026
LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Smart Trade Alliance (MISTA) said today that new 50% tariffs imposed on Michigan’s largest trading partner, Canada, will likely result in higher costs for Michigan families on a range of products at a time they can least afford it.
The new round of U.S. tariffs will affect products purchased by Michigan consumers, ranging from men’s suits and honey to hockey sticks and tongue depressors and many, many more.
Michigan residents understand that they pay higher prices due to tariffs. 74% of Michigan voters understand that tariffs are contributing to inflation and affordability concerns, while 76% said consumers pay most of the cost of imposing tariffs on imported goods.
As a result, 70% of respondents said that federal lawmakers must pursue a different trade policy that reduces tariffs and, therefore, lowers costs for consumers.
“Michigan residents repeatedly tell pollsters that the cost of living is their top issue of worry and concern,” said MISTA spokesperson John Sellek. “They are looking to their members of Congress to pursue trade and tariff policies that encourage fair trade and stable supply chains with close trading partners like Canada, while holding other countries fully accountable.”
“Another round of tariffs on Michigan’s most important trading partner will hurt consumers and our deeply intertwined supply chains,” said MISTA spokesman Mark Fisk. “It’s no surprise that voters told us they are less likely to support a candidate who supports tariffs by a 2-to-1 margin because a strong plurality oppose tariffs. We strongly encourage members of congress to pursue stable, predictable and fair-trade policies.”
Michigan business leaders from multiple state industries, including restaurants, tourism, agriculture, and auto manufacturing, are speaking out in favor of stable, predictable trade policy and preserving our relationship with Canada.
Learn more by watching this MISTA ad now.
The MISTA Coalition is Growing Rapidly
Seventeen leading Michigan business advocacy organizations have already joined the MISTA coalition, demonstrating strong interest and broad support for addressing this issue.
Michigan Agri-Business Association
Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association
Michigan Retailers Association
Michigan Osteopathic Association
Midwest Independent Retailers Association
Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance
Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber
